Estimation of the Global Solar Radiation Received on the Soil in Nalohou and Natitingou (Northern Benin)

Abstract

The design of solar energy systems requires knowledge of the global solar radiation received by solar panels on the ground. However, for many developing countries such as the Benin Republic, there is a serious lack of radiometric stations everywhere in the country. The unavailability of these data, therefore, limits knowledge regarding the optimal functioning of solar installations. To cope with these difficulties, a method for estimating the global irradiation is developed at Nalohou AMMA CATCH station and Natintingou synoptic station, two sites in North-West Benin. This model depends on meteorological and astronomical parameters. Meteorological data such as sunshine duration, relative humidity, and air temperature have been collected on the synoptic station of Natitingou, and observed data of irradiation are collected from Nalohou. They are used to validate the model. The results show that the estimation of the mean square deviation value is around 10 -2. Overall solar radiation is significant in this region and its annual average value varies between 9.80 kWh /m² and 10.50 kWh/m². This model can, therefore, be used by solar system operators to optimize energy production in the region.